Turn signal bulb question

This is probably a simple answer but I'm just not sure so I figured I'd ask. I have a 1993 xj600 seca II. When the bike is on, key just on or actually running, are all the signal lights supposed to be on steady? I ask because my front ones stay on with my headlight but my rear only come on when I hit the turn signal. I'm thinking this is right because the fronts have a dual filiment 1157 bulb. One stays on the other is for the signal. The rear ones are single filament, 1156, which only acts as turn signals but don't stay on all the time. Sound about right? Funny thing is I've had this bike for 5 years and never even noticed. Thanks all.

 

Correct the front uses a dual filiment bulb and the rear a single.
I have changed the rear to dual filiment on all my bikes. More light is more visibility. Fitting a 1157 socket in there is not hard.

 

That's exactly what I was thinking but wasn't sure if it could be done. Where did you get the sockets?

Kinda silly to me that they'd have running lights in the front only.

 

I got the sockets from a auto parts store. They need to be metal just like the original. I did have to cut the mounting tab off the original and solder it to the new one. Also had to drill the pipe in the signal housing bigger to get 2 wires in. Ground was the housing just like it was originally.

 

I see you are in Charlotte NC, do you have plane to go to the Vintage Yamaha Rally ?
https://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/vintage-yamaha-rally-2019.121954/

 

That looks really nice but I'm not going. I wish I would have known sooner. Didn't even know about that.

 

I think there is a consideration of being legal as in yellow running lights on the rear are not legal in some states.

 

Good point. They may have to be red.

 

Its not too late, give them a call and see if there are rooms available. Camping is an option too.

 

I never looked to see if is legal but red lenses are available if needed.

 

NC GS 20-129 says it has to be red. Not that you can't have red AND amber, but it has to be red for tail and for brake.

 

Well I guess both my XJ11s have been illegal for the past 10 years. They never said anything about it during inspections. I'll leave the amber lenses on until someone says something about it. My XS11 has red lenses so its OK.

 

If it's OE equipment they won't say anything since it was imported under DOT guidelines at that time. If it's obvious that it's been redone with newer equipment they could say something. I doubt they'll fail it unless it's blue or white. Wake can be a pain in general, though. The statute says rear tail lights and brake lights must be red. As long as the amber is just turn signal it should be fine.

 

Nope, I have amber lights in the back for running and turn signal . They are in the OEM stock housing. Since the bikes are old enough here in NC they don't need inspections anymore so they will never fail it.
They get ridden all the time . They will stay as they are.

A few weeks ago I spent a day riding with the local police and nothing was ever said. It was a police sponsord event where each participant was assigned an officer to follow them and critique their riding style and abilities. It was quite fun actually.

 

How old does a bike have to be to not need an inspection?

 

35 years is considered antique if memory serves, which does not require an inspection.

 

As an aside, if you are applying for a title due to loss title or no signed transfer from the owner, the bike must be inspected by NC DMV license and theft bureau. The equipment will be checked and reviewed for operation. The VIN will be verified. An indemnity bond must be secured by your insurance company (or you with cash at the DMV) for the value of the bike. In my case the 1982 XJ550 is $250. After that I don't believe it needs an inspection, but you may still have to go to an inspection station to get the electronic filing completed so you can renew. I've never owned an antique auto.

 

Aww man. Mine is a 93. Got a ways to go yet.

 

in NH it is 25 yeara old but if you want antique status you need to get an antique plate.

BUT can be Used ONLY for exhibitions, club events, and public events.